5 Moves the Los Angeles Lakers Need to Make to Return to the Top

5 Moves the Los Angeles Lakers Need to Make to Return to the Top

Cary Edmondson - USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers are not accustomed to losing. In fact, their 27-55 record last year was their worst record since the 1974-1975 season. Since that season, they have only finished with a record below .500 four times. Needless to say, they are eager to turn things around. Here are five moves they need to make this offseason to return to the top.

5. Trade Steve Nash and the Seventh Pick to the Phoenix Suns for Their 14th & 18th Pick

Howard Smith - USA TODAY Sports

5. Trade Steve Nash and the Seventh Pick to the Phoenix Suns for Their 14th & 18th Pick

Howard Smith - USA TODAY Sports

This makes sense on a number of levels. It allows Steve Nash to go back to Phoenix and retire in style. Plus it gives the Lakers an additional first-round pick in a draft that is widely considered to be one of the deepest in recent memory. By getting Nash’s salary off the books, it also frees up space for other moves.

4. Draft Zach LaVine and Adreian Payne

Dak Dillon - USA TODAY Sports

4. Draft Zach LaVine and Adreian Payne

Dak Dillon - USA TODAY Sports

With the two first-round picks they would acquire in their deal with the Suns, the Lakers should select Zach LaVine and Adreian Payne respectively. LaVine is extremely raw, but uber athletic, and would add some explosiveness to an aging team. Learning from one of the best to ever do it wouldn’t hurt. Payne would come in fairly NBA ready and add some toughness in the paint and some additional offense on the perimeter.

3. Sign Kyle Lowry

John E. Sokolowski - USA TODAY Sports

3. Sign Kyle Lowry

John E. Sokolowski - USA TODAY Sports

The Lakers have a clear need at point guard, and have been eyeing Marcus Smart and Elfrid Payton with the seventh pick in the draft. Since this scenario involves them trading that pick away, they would still need to add a top-tier point guard, and Kyle Lowry is definitely the best on the bunch.

2. Let Pau Gasol and Jodie Meeks Walk

Gary A. Vasquez - USA TODAY Sports

2. Let Pau Gasol and Jodie Meeks Walk

Gary A. Vasquez - USA TODAY Sports

Thank you for the memories Pau. It has been real. Gasol was an integral part of the last two Lakers championship teams, but father time waits for no man. Jodie Meeks was the best player on a bad team last year, but with Kobe coming back, LaVine being drafted, and a promising Bazemore waiting in the wings, there is no room on the roster for Meeks.

1. Sign Carmelo Anthony

Cary Edmondson - USA TODAY Sports

1. Sign Carmelo Anthony

Cary Edmondson - USA TODAY Sports

Carmelo loves the spotlight. He has a home in Los Angeles. LaLa is about as Hollywood as they come. If Melo and Kobe could learn to coexist, this team could be scary. Sure, Carmelo has been known to monopolize the ball and take off a play or two on defense, but I think he finally values winning more than his own stats. Imagine defenses trying to account for the Black Mamba and Melo on the court at the same time. It is just crazy enough to work.